Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Imagine this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the refreshing breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present risks to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK performed experiments with various vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.
The researchers’ results were uniform: regardless of the type of vehicle or its speed, driving with the windows open subjected the driver to a nearly continuous sound level of at least 89 decibels.
Could this level of noise present a danger of causing lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in permanent harm to one’s hearing.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?
Various aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process happening inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may offer a quieter ride. Conversely, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, contributing significantly to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have shown that cyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting overall noise levels.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving practices
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic situations (avoid using them when operating a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By embracing precautionary precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.
